Mental Health Counselor Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a Mental Health Counselor

Best Schools to become a Mental Health Counselor in U.S. 2024

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

In-State Tuition:$15,467
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,467
Admission Rate:99%
Graduation Rate:66%
Total Enrollment:96,709

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ

In-State Tuition:$16,407
Out-of-State Tuition:$16,407
Admission Rate:78%
Graduation Rate:45%
Total Enrollment:101,816

Capella University

Minneapolis, MN

In-State Tuition:$14,328
Out-of-State Tuition:$14,328
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:N/A
Total Enrollment:39,727

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN

In-State Tuition:$10,552
Out-of-State Tuition:$10,552
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:N/A
Total Enrollment:42,312

Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA

In-State Tuition:$62,390
Out-of-State Tuition:$62,390
Admission Rate:49%
Graduation Rate:84%
Total Enrollment:10,030

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX

In-State Tuition:$6,228
Out-of-State Tuition:$16,020
Admission Rate:84%
Graduation Rate:38%
Total Enrollment:16,803
Mental Health Counselor Job Description:
  • Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders.
  • May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Mental Health Counselor

Job Duties for Mental Health Counselors

  • Assess individuals' degree of drug dependency by collecting and analyzing urine samples.

  • Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.

  • Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.

Technologies and Skills Used by Mental Health Counselors

Electronic mail software

  • Email software
  • Microsoft Outlook

Medical software

  • Addison Health Systems WritePad EHR
  • Varian Medical Systems

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • Talking to others

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Social

  • Looking for ways to help people
  • Understanding people's reactions

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Mental Health Counselor

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Mental Health Counselor

FAQs About Becoming a Mental Health Counselor